Officials say the black bear spotted in southwestern Indiana last July is out of hibernation and wandering the Hoosier state again.

Officials in Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge spotted the bear last week.  It’s only the second black bear to be spotted in Indiana since the 1870’s.  Refuge Manager Joe Robb says the bear likely swam across the Ohio River from Kentucky last year.

“The bear probably out of hibernation now, out from its slumber trying to get something to eat and looking for food that’s available.”

They say the bear is still in the area near Jefferson, Jennings, and Ripley counties.  The young black bear has acted shy, running away when it sees humans.  And black bears are listed as exotic mammals, which gives them extra protection in the state.

Officials say the bear will most likely return to Kentucky for mating season sometime this summer.